CN101821758A - Travel reward accumulation - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes: the method includes receiving an indication that a passenger is boarding a vehicle for a first segment of a travel itinerary, determining a travel reward point amount associated with the first segment, and outputting the travel reward point amount to a travel reward system substantially simultaneously with boarding the vehicle for the first segment, such that the travel reward point is available for redemption by the passenger on a second segment of the travel itinerary.

Description

Travel reward accrual

The cross reference of related application

The sequence number that the application requires on August 23rd, 2007 to submit to is the right of priority of 60/957,578 U. S. application, and the content with this application is contained in this by reference.

Technical field

The application relates to use and rewards the passenger with the integration that travelling is associated.

Summary of the invention

Generally, the application has described basically when getting reward points, and the reward points number that is associated with the travelling loyalty program is made amendment.System described herein and technology can provide following one or more advantage.The first, reward points can accumulate along with getting of reward points basically in real time.The second, reward points can be visited his/her travel reward account by the passenger and be checked immediately.The 3rd, reward points can be exchanged with follow-up stroke in the upgrading itinerary.

Aspect first summary, a kind of computer implemented method has been described, be used for upgrading the travel reward integration during travel, make just convertible this travel reward integration when getting the travel reward integration basically.This method comprises: receive the indication that the passenger is just climbing up the delivery vehicle of first section of itinerary, definite travel reward integration number that is associated with first section, and basically when climbing up first section delivery vehicle, to travel reward system output travel reward integration number, make the travel reward integration can be used for the passenger and on second section of itinerary, exchange.

Aspect second summary, a kind of system has been described, be used for upgrading the travel reward integration during travel, make just convertible this travel reward integration when getting the travel reward integration basically.This system comprises one or more computing machines, and it has the accumulation module, is used to receive the indication that the passenger is just climbing up the delivery vehicle of first section of itinerary; Regulation engine is used for definite travel reward integration number that is associated with first section; And database, be used for basically when climbing up first section delivery vehicle, to travel reward system output travel reward integration number, make the travel reward integration can be used for the passenger and on second section of itinerary, exchange.

Aspect another summary, a kind of computer implemented method has been described, be used to upgrade the travel reward integration, feasible just convertible this travel reward integration when getting the travel reward integration basically.This method comprises: receive the notice that the passenger is just climbing up the delivery vehicle of the itinerary first route section at the server place, use the regulation engine of described server operation to determine the travel reward integration number that is associated with the first route section, and transmit the request that deposits determined travel reward integration number in to the electronic account that is associated with described passenger.Described depositing in basically taken place simultaneously with the delivery vehicle of climbing up first section, makes before the first route section is finished, and described travel reward integration just can be used for exchanging by the passenger.

Set forth the details of rewarding one or more embodiments of feature at accompanying drawing with in hereinafter describing.Other features and the advantage of rewarding feature will become clearly from instructions, accompanying drawing and claims.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is an example view of charging to integration in real time.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of a realization that is used for charging in real time the example system of integration.

Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram that is used for charging in real time the instantiation procedure of integration.

Fig. 4 is the synoptic diagram of exemplary computer system.

In each accompanying drawing, similarly reference number is indicated similar elements.

Embodiment

This paper has described and has been used for basically in real time often flying system and the technology that the travel reward integration was charged to and upgraded at the guest account family to the client.Charging in real time and upgrading of travel reward integration can take place when getting this travel reward integration basically.For example, the client can be the member of loyalty program, and in this loyalty program, the client is assigned and often flies the guest account family, and it can be included in travel reward integration sum and other information of certain time point accumulation.In one example, client's itinerary can comprise the voyage from a destination to another destination, and this voyage can be divided into a plurality of sections.Can keep the record that relevant client climbs up each leg.If the client is the member of loyalty program, then this client can have and often flies the guest account family, in this account, can accumulate the travel reward integration and by this client it is exchanged into travelling.The travel reward integration of getting on the leg can be logged into often flying in the account of client when the client climbs up this leg.In case the client has climbed up the aircraft of first leg of voyage, total travel reward integration that this client can be used for exchanging just can reflect the travel reward integration of having got first leg.The client can be chosen in then and exchange the travel reward integration on next leg, because the travel reward integration number (comprising the travel reward integration of getting first leg) of client's accumulation can be used for exchanging.

Fig. 1 is an example view of charging to integration in real time.In the example of Fig. 1,client 102 is members ofloyalty program 114, and travels todestination 104 just by air.Forclient 102 can arrivedestination 104, client's voyage can be divided into two sections:first leg 106 and second leg 108.In this example,client 102 checks in, and receiveseffective boarding pass 110 of first leg 106.Client 102 passsboarding gate staff 112 with boarding pass 110.Thisstaff 112 can write downclient 102 and climb up first leg 106 (for example,staff 112 can be scanned the bar code that is printed on theboarding pass 110, and it indicates this passenger's boarding), and can allow thisclient 102 to climb up aircraft.

Can be whenclient 102 to climb upfirst leg 106, the number of thetravel reward integration 116 thatfirst leg 106 is got is logged into and often flying on the guest account family that this client 102 (it is the member of loyalty program 114) is associated.At this moment, can this client's the travel reward integration that often flies to accumulate in the guest account family be upgraded.

Client 102 finishes the travelling offirst leg 106, arrives terminal 118.In one example, before climbing upfirst leg 106,client 102 often flies may not have in the guest account family enough travel reward integrations to obtain the qualification at upgrading seat onsecond leg 108 at it.Yet after climbing upfirst leg 106,client 102 may get enough travel reward integrations are obtained seat (for example, from the economy class to the first-class cabin) of upgrading onsecond leg 108 qualification now.Client 102 can exchange must numbertravel reward integration 124 with its seat of upgrading, and receive theboarding pass 122 of having indicated this upgrading.For example, boarding gate staff 120 (or other airport personnel) can accesscustomer 102 often fly the guest account family, deduction is upgraded to the required travel reward integration number of first-class cabin from economy class onsecond leg 108, and provide theboarding pass 122 that is used forsecond leg 108 to client 102.Thereward points 124 of having exchanged basically can be when exchanging reward points fromclient 102 often fly deduct the guest account family.At this moment, can this client's the travel reward integration number that often flies to accumulate in the guest account family be upgraded.

Shown in the example of Fig. 1,client 102 can passboarding gate staff 120 withboarding pass 122, and climbs up the aircraft of second leg 108.Boarding gate staff 120 can write downclient 102 and climb up second leg 108 (for example, use the keyboard be attached on the terminal to import this client and climbed up aircraft, wherein this terminal is docked with the airline management system).The number of thetravel reward integration 126 thatsecond leg 108 is got can be logged into often flying on the guest account family ofclient 102 whenclient 102 climbs up second leg 108.At this moment, can this client's the travel reward integration number that often flies to accumulate in the guest account family be upgraded.

The travel reward integration number of getting on the leg can be based on the rule that is associated with loyalty program.In some implementations, these rules can be the primitive rule forms, and it can the use standard determine to reward the integration number of giving the passenger.For example, standard (for example can comprise trade date, Book Date), (for example subscribe channel, online, call center and travel agent ticket office or the like), reservation date scope (for example, the travelling fate), market (for example, the combination of travelling origin and destination), the client approves that rank (for example, loyal membership's rank, such as silver card, gold card or platinum card), the travelling origin (for example, airport or city), Reiseziel (for example, airport or city), and what day (for example, flight is arranged in Tu.).

In some implementations, can revise primitive rule according to exception, such as the sales promotion of initiating according to airline.For example, airline can hold at travel to the New York sales promotion in market of Minneapolis/Sao Paulo, and the voyage of wherein part subscribing in may between these two cities, travel during July can be got three times of reward points.

In some implementations, the travel reward integration number got of leg can be based on the distance of being flown during this leg.In other were realized, the integration number of being got can be based on the distance of flying during this leg and adaptable any premiums.For example, airline can be at holding special price one period on the specific leg, during the reward points got can become double.

For example, Paris, FRA is removed in client (for example, the client 102) plan of living in Minnesotan Minneapolis.Can comprise two sections from Minneapolis/Sao Paulo to the voyage in Paris.First leg can be the voyage of the JFK International airport from Minneapolis/International airport, Sao Paulo to New York, and the client can be in the New York short stay.Second leg can be the voyage of the Charles de Gaulle International airport from the JFK International airport to Paris, FRA.When the client when Minneapolis is handled the check-in procedures of these two legs, the client may wish its seat on second leg is upgraded to first-class cabin from economy class, yet, the client (for example may not have enough travel reward integrations, the client often flies have 13 in the guest account family at it, 446 travel reward integrations, but upgrading needs 15,000 integrations).If of course, the client is willing to more be intended to that second leg is superior is seated in the first-class cabin, because second leg is about 7 hours across Atlantic voyage, ability arrived in second day.

Then, the client is in the superior travelling of flying in economy to first leg in New York from Minneapolis/Sao Paulo.When the client climbed up first leg, client's the guest account family that often flies deposited 2,054 travel reward integrations basically in real time in.These integrations have reflected the twice of the flying distance mileage number from Minneapolis/airport, Sao Paulo to the JFK airport, become double sales promotion because airline is holding the integration number that the travelling between Minneapolis/Sao Paulo and the New York is got.Equally, at this moment, the travel reward integration that is accumulated is updated to 15,500 integrations of new numerical value.When the client arrived JFK airport, New York, he can short stay before second leg of climbing up from New York to Paris.The client has accumulated abundant travel reward integration now, the seat of this client on second leg can be upgraded to first-class cabin (for example, 15,000 integrations are used for upgrading) from economy class.Whether the client can allow the boarding gate staff have the vacant place to upgrade according to for example first-class cabin.In case upgrade, just can adjust the travel reward integration of client's accumulation basically in real time, be used for the mileage number (for example, the client often flies will be left in the guest account family 500 travel reward integrations at it) of this upgrading with reflection.Behind second leg of climbing up from the JFK airport to Charles De Gaulle airport, the client can get other travel reward integration (for example, 3,640 travel reward integrations).

In another example, its itinerary comprises that the client of two legs can get abundant travel reward integration on first leg, this client's loyalty program membership rank (for example, being clipped to platinum card membership rank from gold card membership level) is used for second leg so that upgrade.Membership rank after the upgrading can make that the client is qualified to obtain the travelling that this client disqualification obtains preferential (for example, upgrade, board in advance in the seat, free dessert) on second leg on first leg.

Fig. 2 is a kind of block diagram of realizing that is used for charging in real time the example system 200 of integration.System 200 can be used for for example managing customer group's reservation and booking by airline.System 200 can comprise new aviation (New Skies) module 202, aviation payment (SkyPay) module 204 and loyal module 206.New aviation module 202 for example can be carried out reservation and allocation activities (for example, the Internet subscription, call center, web service) at this airline customer-centric.In the example of Fig. 2, aviation payment module 204 for example can manage the payment processes and the leg updating and management of booking.Loyal module 206 for example can be managed airline's loyalty program.

In the realization of Fig. 2, new aviation module 202 can comprise customer database 208, passenger name record (PNR) 210 and passenger (pax) formation 212 of having boarded.Customer database 208 can include but not limited to relevant client's information, such as name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and often fly objective account number (if any), and other information relevant with the client.Passenger name record 210 can include but not limited to client's travelling details, such as flight number, travel dates, flight section, fly mileage and other information relevant with client's travelling details.The passenger's formation 212 of having boarded can include but not limited to relate to the passenger's that boards information, the start city and purpose city and other that often fly objective ID, flight number, flight date and time, registration source, flight such as the client relate to the passenger's that boards information, and these information examples have been shown in the table 1.

Table 1

Field	Field description	Data type	Type	Essential (R) or optional (O)	Remarks
						??1	The request date	Time on date	??N	??R
??2	Often fly objective ID	Character string (20)	??A	??R
						??3	Program designator code	Character string (3)	??A	??R
??4	The record finger URL	Character string (12)	??A	??R
						??5	Reservation date	Time on date	??A	??R
??6	Airline code	Character string (3)	??A	??R	Sell the carrier
						??7	Operation airline code	Character string (3)	??A	??R
??8	Flight number	Character string (4)	??N	??R
						??9	??OpSuffix	Character string (1)	??A	??O
??10	Sailing date	Time on date	??N	??R
						??11	Date of arrival	Time on date	??N	??R

Field	Field description	Data type	Type	Essential (R) or optional (O)	Remarks
						??12	The station of setting out	Character string (3)	??A	??R
??13	The arrival station	Character string (3)	??A	??R
						??14	The registration source	Character string (10)	??A	??R
??15	The expense basis	Character string (8)	??A	??R
						??16	Expense level	Character string (8)	??A	??R
??17	Currency code	Character string (3)	??A	??R
						??18	Channel type	Enumerate	??N	??R	Identical with NS
??19	The expense number	The decimal system	??N	??R
						??20	Base price	The decimal system	??N	??R
??21	Amount to price	The decimal system	??N	??R
						??22	Passenger type	Character string	??A	??R

Loyal module 206 can comprise loyalty database 214, accumulation module 216, exchange module 218, regulation engine 220 and the module 222 of scoring.Loyalty database 214 can comprise relevant loyalty program member's as airline client's information.This information can include but not limited to that the data that provided by customer database 208 (for example, customer name, address, telephone number, e-mail address etc.), and the data that often fly the guest account family that relate to the client, such as account number, the mileage that has accumulated so far, the mileage of having exchanged so far and other account activities.Loyalty database 214 can also comprise customer priorities, such as seat preference (for example, near the window or by the passageway), preferred diet (for example, vegetarian diet), and any other special travelling demand (for example, needing wheelchair at the hatch door mouth).

Accumulation module 216 can be docked to the passenger's formation 212 of having boarded, and accumulation module 216 can receive the indication that the client has climbed up the leg aircraft.For example, when the boarding gate staff is scanned bar code on client's air ticket, send the indication that relevant clients have boarded to the passenger's formation 212 of boarding by new aviation 202 systems.When this incident took place, the passenger's formation 212 of having boarded can initiate a message to accumulation module 216 and climb up this leg with the indication client.

In some implementations, accumulation module 216 can also receive relevant client from the passenger's formation 212 of boarding and step on other details of taking advantage of the leg, such as the mileage of distributing to this leg, flight number, date and time and start city and purpose city.The example of this type of information is shown in the table 1.

Accumulation module 216 can the access rule engine 220 and score module 222, will pass to regulation engine 220 from the information that the passenger's formation 212 of boarding receives, to determine to deposit the reward points number to the client.The score module 222 of regulation engine 220 can be used primitive rule and any applicable exception rule, thus the travel reward integration that comes computing client to get based on client's travelling mileage and other information.

The travel reward integration of being got can be logged in the customer account on the loyalty database 214 by accumulation module 216.That can correspondingly adjust the client then often flies total reward points in the guest account family.Therefore, the client can accumulate the travel reward integration on each leg basically in real time.

As previously mentioned, in some implementations, rule can be based on primitive rule, perhaps rule can based on the primitive rule of exception rule (the reward points sales promotion of initiating such as airline) combination.For example, regulation engine 220 can comprise this primitive rule: all loyal other clients of level that travel to the JFK airport from Minneapolis/Sao Paulo can receive the travel reward integration that equals institute's travel distance.Sales promotion can be revised this primitive rule, makes the client can be during in July, 2007 get double reward points from Minneapolis/airport, Sao Paulo to the leg on JFK airport.

Exchange module 218 can be used for exchanging the travel reward integration that often flies the guest account family from loyalty database 214 clients.In some implementations, the reward points of being exchanged can be used by the award payment module 224 that is included in the aviation payment module 204, for example is used for replenishing or paying fully the expense of booking.In another was realized, the reward points of being exchanged can be used for paying the seat upgrade cost of leg.

Client or customer representative (for example, boarding gate staff) can use aviation sale (SkySales) module 226 to carry out online flight reservation via the internet.Aviation Sales module 226 is docked to new aviation module 202, and new aviation module 202 is included in relevant client's information in the customer database 208.The itinerary that the client uses aviation Sales module 226 to be subscribed can be added in the passenger name record 210.

Aviation Sales module 226 can also be docked to loyal module 206.In some implementations, this can allow the client to check that during airline reservation his/her often flies guest account family information.For example, aviation Sales module 226 can help the user to determine whether this user has abundant travelling integration to exchange free air ticket.In another example, based on the accumulation in real time basically of travel reward integration, aviation Sales module 226 can help the user to determine the whether seat on the arbitrary leg of qualified upgrading of this user.

In other were realized, the client can visit the interface (not shown) that is used for loyal module 206, so which commodity definite travel reward integration number of having got perhaps can exchange based on the integration of having got.

Registration Module 228 can be used to transmit the indication that the passenger has boarded.For example, barcode reader can dock with Registration Module 228, thereby when the air ticket of boarding gate staff's scanned passenger, to the new aviation 202 transmission information of boarding.

In some implementations, keeper UI (user interface) 232 can be used for managing loyal module 206 by the keeper.For example, keeper UI 232 can be used for upgrading primitive rule and the exception rule that is included in regulation engine 220.In some implementations, keeper UI 232 can allow the keeper to add new loyalty customer to loyalty database 214, perhaps revises the profile and the account of current loyalty customer in the loyalty database 214.

Reporting modules 234 can generate report, and it can comprise the information in the loyalty database 214.For example, reporting modules 234 can monthly be prepared and send often to fly guest account family report to the client.In some implementations, reporting modules 234 can be prepared such report, and it can comprise the statistical information (for example, qualified participation is included in the loyalty program membership of the special promotion in the regulation engine 220) that can be used for analyzing by airline.

The third party often flies objective integration module 236 can be docked to loyal module 206.Interface 236 can allow the client to receive the travel reward mark of getting from third party's (for example, hire a car agency, hotel) (credit).For example, the client who hires a car from Hertz may can get the merit trip integration, and it can be deposited in often flying in the guest account family of this client in the loyalty database 214.

In some implementations, regular testing device (not shown) can be used for before client's application rule rule included in the regulation engine 220 and sales promotion being tested.Carry out these tests can prevent based on mutual between primitive rule and the exception rule, may unexpected travel reward integral and calculating and the unusual calculating (for example, zero) of the travel reward integration got.

For example, Jane Deer decision is removed Paris, FRA from Minnesotan Minneapolis travelling during in June, 2007.Jane is the member of the loyalty program of OnTime airline.Jane can use the aviation Sales module 226 of OnTime airline to subscribe its return journey voyage from the Minneapolis to Paris.The Jane decision travels to Charles De Gaulle airport from Minneapolis/International airport, Sao Paulo.This voyage can be divided into two sections: the JFK airport from Minneapolis/airport, Sao Paulo to New York, and from the JFK airport to Charles De Gaulle airport.When using aviation Sales module 226 to subscribe its voyage, Jane notice she often fly in the guest account family current travel reward integration number (for example, 12,000) is not enough to the seat on its any leg (for example is upgraded to first-class cabin from economy class, in order to upgrade, Jane needs 15,000 integrations).Yet after the travelling of finishing first leg, Jane will get upgrade seat on its second leg of abundant travel reward integration.This is because OnTime airline is holding sales promotion during June, wherein travels to European passenger from the U.S. and can get three times of reward points on the domestic leg of passenger's voyage.

Leave for that day in Paris, Jane arrives Minneapolis/airport, Sao Paulo with her boarding pass.In the boarding gate, Jane passs the boarding gate staff with the registration card of its first leg.The staff can be scanned the bar code on the boarding pass, and the information of boarding is transmitted to airline's management system (for example, new aviation) from barcode reader via Registration Module 228.The information of boarding can comprise the information of obtaining from the scanning of bar code.In some implementations, the information of boarding comprises or is linked to customer ID number, passenger name record ID, often flies objective account number or flight number.The information of boarding can be used in this incident of boarding of passenger's formation 212 record Jane of boarding.As mentioned above, the information of other shown in the table 1 also can be included in the information that is placed in the passenger's formation 212 of boarding.

The passenger's formation 212 of boarding can be transmitted the message of boarding (alternatively, also have other information, all legs like this are with other information shown in objective account number or the table 1 that often fly of the mileage number of flight, flight number, Jane) of indication Jane to accumulation module 216.Accumulation module 216 can be transmitted all or part of of these information to regulation engine 220.Regulation engine 220 can determine how to calculate the travel reward integration of first leg.Score module 222 in the regulation engine (for example can be visited suitable primitive rule, the travel reward integration that every flight mileage equates), exception rule (for example, three times of reward points) and relevant parameters ((for example such as the mileage number that flies on first leg, 1,027)), and calculate can be logged into Jane often fly total reward points (for example, 3,081 integrations) on the guest account family.

In some implementations, score module 222 can also be sent this information to accumulation module 216, and accumulation module 216 can be logged into it often flying on the guest account family of Jane.Accumulation module 216 can be updated to 15,081 integrations (3,081 integrations that get 12,000 integrations+first leg before) with the travel reward integration that often flies in the guest account family of Jane.

In this example, Jane lands on the JFK airport and does short stay, leaves for toward Paris up to her Next Flight.Jane passs the boarding gate staff with the boarding pass of her second leg, and first-class cabin is escalated in second leg of asking to go to Paris.Utilize aviation Sales module 226, the staff can visit the customer account information that is included in the Jane in the customer database 208, the itinerary that is included in the Jane in the passenger name record 210, and is included in her the guest account family information that often flies in the loyalty database 214.The boarding gate staff can exchange 15,000 travel reward integrations from the guest account family that often flies of Jane, and is used for the seat of Jane is upgraded to first-class cabin from economy class.Exchange module 218 and dock with rewarding payment module 224, its travel reward integration that can exchange Jane is with the seat on second leg of upgrading.That exchanges that module 218 can adjust Jane often flies travel reward integration number in the guest account family, to reflect this exchange (for example, the travel reward remaining sum of Jane is 81 integrations now).The boarding gate staff can provide boarding pass again to Jane, has been upgraded to first-class cabin to reflect its seat from economy class.

When Jane climbed up second leg, the boarding gate staff can be scanned the bar code on the boarding pass.This can start and combines similarly process of process (for example, Jane is accumulation travel reward integration when getting integration basically, also promptly in case climb up after second leg) that the scanning to the boarding pass of first leg of Jane is described with the front.

Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram that is used for charging in real time theinstantiation procedure 300 ofintegration.Process 300 for example can be carried out by system (such as system 200), for the purpose of clear, below describes the example basis of using system 200 as these processes of description.Yet, can use the combination of other system or system to comeimplementation 300.

In realization shown in Figure 3,process 300 comprises having two sections voyage.But, this process is not limited to two legs, but can be used to have more than or be less than the voyage of twolegs.Process 300 starts from first leg (step 302) that the client climbs up voyage.After boarding, upgrade client's reward points (step 304) basically in real time.Renewal to client's reward points is described with reference to figure 2.

The client can select to check his/her reward points (step 306).For example, aviation Sales module 226 can be used the travel reward mileage that visits this client's loyal account and check accumulation by the client.If the client is not flight (step 308) on another leg, then process 300 finishes.If just flight (step 308) on another leg of client, then this client can check whether it has accumulated abundant travel reward mileage so that upgrading (step 310).If no, then this client can climb up next leg (step 312), andprocess 300 proceeds to step 304.Can be used for upgrading (step 310) if this client has accumulated abundant travel reward mileage, then this client can exchange travel reward integration (step 314) on next leg.This client can receive award at this leg (such as, upgrading) (step 316) then.Reward points (step 318) that can the real-time update client.For example, the integration number of having exchanged can from the client often fly deduct the guest account family.Then, this client can climb up next leg (step 312) of voyage, andprocess 300 proceeds tostep 304, up to this client without any remaining leg.

In some implementations, the client may get off the plane after boarding.For example, if aircraft has problem and can not be used for this leg, then this situation may appear.In case get off the plane, the boarding gate staff can enter the airdrome control system (perhaps, for example the staff can rescan each passenger who disembarks) of the aircraft that is left, and will deduct the travel reward integration of giving the client at this leg in real time.Therefore, in case the client leaves aircraft, deduction when boarding, the client is deposited in the reward points at client Chang Fei guest account family.

In some implementations, travel reward system (such as system 100,200) realize being used to the travelling real-time interface of reservation system, wherein this travelling reservation system information of providing relevant passenger to board or disembark.This interface can be realized by formation (such as the passenger's formation 212 of boarding).For example, each passenger's state becomes registered and when having boarded, this passenger and flight data (perhaps this passenger's passenger name record (PNR)) can be put into formation, and loyal system (for example, system 206) can read and handle this formation in real time basically.In addition, if state from registered and boarded to become and do not boarded, then these affairs and the designator of not boarding can be put into formation, thus loyal system can " cancel (unpost) " in this loyalty system this passenger's activity.

In one example, the user is the boarding gate staff.This boarding gate staff can be responsible for the passenger and climb up flight.This boarding gate staff can also understand the client who does not board, and it is recorded among the PNR of passenger in the reservation system.

Loyal system can follow the tracks of client activities, and can handle boarded passenger and the passenger that do not board, and anyly uses loyal integration with what determine suitable (apply).In one example, the passenger climbs up aircraft, and their state of taking is made as and boards.Equally, if the passenger leaves aircraft, thereby leave this voyage, the state of then taking can not boarded from boarding to change into by the boarding gate staff.

In another example, in loyal system manages loyal integration following incident can take place.The passenger climbs up aircraft.System takes state and is set to " boarding ".Reservation system can be discerned the passenger who has boarded, and these affairs that will have suitable details are placed in the new formation for the visit of loyal system.All fields above data in these affairs for example can comprise described in the table 1.Loyal system can read this formation then, and uses its score and accumulation engine to handle this affairs.

In another example, the passenger does not climb up aircraft.The airport employe is updated to passenger PNR record and does not board.Reservation system identifies state and does not board from boarding to change over, and these affairs related " not boarding " designator that will have suitable details is placed in the new formation, uses for loyal system.Again, these affairs can comprise field in the table 1 partly or entirely.Loyal system can read this formation then, utilizes its score and accumulation engine to handle this affairs, thus any loyal integration of on this voyage, this passenger being used before cancelling.

In some implementations, reservation system (for example, new aviation 202) comprises central customer database, and it comprises address, telephone number, e-mail address or the like.Loyal system can comprise the relevant loyal movable supplementary data storehouse as loyalty program member's client.

System (for example, system 100 or 200) can real-time follow-up client travel activity.When the passenger climbs up aircraft, can trigger voyage and be used to charge to.Other activities are counted, and when this activity is subjected to " use ", for most of other parts, this will mean from supplier's reception to have the autoexec that uses data.System can follow the tracks of money cost, flight mileage, flight leg, Additional Services and " use " travelling part such as (for example, this calendar year, nearest 12 months (rolling), lifelong) in a time period.

System can distinguish client's the charging to of reward points by type, source and description.For purpose herein, " type " is following one of multinomial.The source of the integration that the source indication just is being credited to-from airline or third-party vendor (such as chain hotel).Description field can comprise the description to specific activities.The aviation example can be " MSP-SLC flight 1234, the L1 cabin in the Y cabin ".In some implementations, " type " can comprise aviation-master's acknowledgement of consignment, aviation-cooperation acknowledgement of consignment, hotel, automobile leasing, travel insurance, activity/incident, total shopping (dynamically packing also promptly) and adjustment of all kinds (it needs memo field for call center staff assignable cause).

System can (for example, online page airline.com) provides web page module for carrier's website.These templates can comprise the function that is used to provide loyal member's accounts information, and accounts information comprises levels of clients, current bonus point balance etc.This function can also comprise providing gets integration and the two the Verbose Listing of award activity of redeem points.For example, loyal member can utilize the default setting that disposes of travelling carrier (it is as the part of the Sales module customization that is associated with system), inquire about based on beginning and Close Date scope in the page.The page can give tacit consent to and date (for example, start from 1 month before, end at current date).

In some implementations, benefit redemption can be carried out by online execution or by the place calls center.Benefit redemption can dispose based on specific tolerance, and airline selects this specific tolerance to be used as the basis that they reward.For example, this type of configuration comprises the scheme based on coupons, and it can utilize the existing coupons architecture of rewarding coupons that is used to exchange.Loyalty can be called coupons API, thereby uses at rewarding the coupons type and the particular charge grade that are provided with to create coupons as the client.In another example arrangement, configuration can comprise the scheme based on integration, and wherein expense comprises integrated value and income value, and benefit redemption is directly from available integration, and does not create the intermediate steps that coupons are exchanged then.

System can promote a plurality of member's ranks or grade-standard, VIP, super VIP etc., when client's activity reaches each other configurable threshold value of level, triggers these ranks automatically.Can in loyal system, keep other configuration of integration stages to each grade.In some implementations, new aviation also has at configurations at different levels, and it is synchronous that system can keep at this point.As long as the client at given member approves that rank changes, loyal system just can upgrade the customer database in the new aviation.

In some implementations, system can be provided in line mechanism and asks the mark of voyage of flying over.This can comprise that the client on this flight journey of checking is the people of request mark really.This request can be placed in the formation, and the staff of airline will need it is handled, and suitable integration is logged into client's account in the time can using.

System can provide call center " keeper " function.Can come the limiting access authority based on user/role.This function can comprise based on any former thereby adjust client's account, such as customer service problem or the voyage mark missed, as human factor error twice o'clock " merging " account of having contracted, and between account " transfer " integration.This system can comprise following ability: the project " formation " (its can comprise repetition integration charge to (same on the same day activity)) of checking the manual inspection of needs, and remove duplicate keys can using part, and when not matching, authorization information and the request of flight journey remove the voyage mark request of omission.

In some implementations, system can show the loyal information relevant with given passenger to the use of air ticket cashier, call center and reservation API.For example, can provide based on expense level and exchange/used the information of award.System can provide accessible outside web service, for the third party use (such as, the information counter uses) search loyal state and other information.System can also provide add loyalty program by variety of way mechanism (for example, during the booking process and finish subscribe after online adding, also can be even without subscribing travelling by the online adding of the adding page, from the call center, use the web service from the third party system, or the like).

In some implementations, system provides flexi mode to set up the rule of reward points for airline based on voyage market, and it comprises the ability that the promotion rule that is used to reward additional integration is configured.Regulation engine can be so that the analyst of airline can come configuration rule by desktop UI.For example, rule criterion can comprise transaction types-aviation, hotel, automobile, or the like; Affairs dates-such as flight sailing date of aviation affairs; Reservation channel-online, call center, travel agent, GDS, or the like; Reservation date scope-reservation beginning and Close Date; Market-for example, origin and destination combination (for example MSP/SLC); The client approves rank-for example, silver card, gold card, platinum card; Any voyage of origin-start on given airport; Destination-arrive any voyage on given airport by main carrier; What day; Expense level; The airline of marketing; The airline of operation; And expense level.

In some implementations, each rule can be carried out independent calculating at qualified integration and prefitable integration.For example, calculating can be the fixing a% of the basic award in number or this market.Many rule can be applied on the single affairs.Every regular output can be stored as independent account activation record.Can be by the table of comparisons of carrier's maintenance at the basic reward points in market.Every rule can have description, and it will be stored with activation record.System can provide the ability that sent a report in every month by Email to the passenger.And in response to signatory loyalty program, system can send welcome email to signatory personnel.

In some implementations, the configurable time of a segment length was supported the expiration of mark/integration after system can take place by activity.In other were realized, system can comprise the Reporting Tools with some reports, such as: the award movement summary of given period; The benefit redemption of given period; And outstanding bonus point balance-for when calculating outstanding debt, using.In addition, system can provide at particular leg and use reward, and uses the ability of normal income expense at other voyages and Additional Services.

Be the exemplary use-case of system below.Participant in the use-case can comprise following role personnel: passenger, travel agent, call center staff and boarding gate staff.External system participant can comprise: GDS agency, API agency and passenger.Following participant can subscribe travelling: the interface of travel agent-use carrier's reservation system to subscribe for the passenger third party's travel agent of travelling; The call center staff, it uses another interface to subscribe travelling and carries out other correlation functions; GDS acts on behalf of-subscribes by the GDS that connects the third party of travelling; And API acts on behalf of-subscribes by API (web service) channel the third party who travels and carry out other correlation functions.

Use-case 1-often flies visitor's plan registration.System supports to be registered to loyalty program by online access, call center or registration API.

Use-case 2-registration back sends welcome email.System's support sends the Email have welcome message to the passenger, comprises that theirs newly often flies objective account number.This Email can send in response to contracting.

Use-case 3-charges to reward points to passenger's account.System's support is charged to integration at each passenger's activity of finishing.Activity can comprise flight journey, buy integration by third party (such as hotel or motor corporation), perhaps finish specific activities (such as, use web to handle registration).

Use-case 4-subscribes merit trip.System's support uses passenger's available integration to subscribe merit trip.Reservation can be included in may be finished before the reservation, uses suitable " payment " pattern to subscribe income voyage and award voyage at every type.

Use-case 5-accounts information is searched.System's support by be used for reservation system at line interface, the addressable interface in call center, perhaps by the third party can with web serve to search and often fly guest account family information, and show the activity of relevant integration and the summary information and the details of state.

The expiration of use-case 6-integration.System is supported in reward on total mark to integration expiration after the configurable time of a segment length behind the passenger.

Use-case 7-rewards configuration.System's support management comprises the special awards sales promotion, such as the additional integration at particular charge grade, particular course etc. at the integration number that given activity gives.

Use-case 8-is provided with the client and approves rank.System's support is approved rank based on the integration rank that reaches customized configuration from moving change client, perhaps changes by manually the cancelling of staff with suitable permission.

Use-case 9-carries out customer service/management adjustment.System's support provides the ability of checking and adjusting customer account, comprises according to the suitable index of checking account increasing and reduce integration.This can be used for customer service adjustment and other administrative purposes, so that revise passenger's account.This can be limited by user's role.

Use-case 10-checks every month report of passenger.System supports passenger's online account report of checking them on the new account report page.

Use-case 11-creates and often flies visitor's report.System supports following function: the integration of creating the award movement summary of given period-reward according to type; The integration number that the benefit redemption of given period make a summary-has been exchanged; And do not close bonus point balance (be used to estimate to calculate debt).

The voyage mark in use-case 12-past is adjusted.System supports the passenger to ask to reward as yet in the past the reward points of the voyage of giving passenger's integration.This may be because the passenger does not often fly the guest account family, when perhaps subscribing not with its with often fly the guest account family and be associated.

Use-case 13-shifts integration between loyal account.System's support is transferred to another with integration from a passenger's account.This function must be limited by the role's permission with the index of checking account, and the agency can utilize this index of checking account to shift.

Use-case 14-creates new reward points rule.System supports analyst's service regeulations engine UI, utilize in the regulation engine any available standard to set up new reward points rule.

Use-case 15-cancels reward points from passenger's account.System is supported in the passenger and leaves the integration of charging at this voyage before the deduction under the flight situation of (such as during the IROP).When the passenger climbs up same flight once more or takes different flight, will reward suitable integration at the voyage of this practical flight.

Use-case 16-revises current active reward points rule.System supports that the analyst upgrades current active rule.For rules modification, before editor, will preserve this regular version.If current date is early than the effective date of the rule of revising, then system can allow to delete this rule.If current date is between the effective date and the date of abrogating of rule, then original rule can be abrogated from current date/time, and the new rule of revising can come into force from current date/time.

Use-case 17-abrogates the reward points rule.System supports user's selective rule, and is set to given date and abrogates the reward points rule by the date of abrogating that should rule.This date can be the same day or some day in the future.Abrogate the date and can not be arranged to date early than the same day.

Use-case 18-deletion reward points rule.System supports user's selective rule and with its deletion.Only when rule never be activated or when the rule before the same day, abrogated, just might carry out this action.If rule is current is effectively, does not then allow deletion.

In some implementations, loyal system can have following one or more feature: charge to the voyage activity in real time from reservation system, the regulation engine that is used for the reward points sales promotion, online carry out and the benefit redemption by the call center, check multiple member's rank and to the support of the multiple choices of integrated metric by the addressable online account in internet.

Fig. 4 is the synoptic diagram of example computer system 400.According to a kind of realization,system 400 can be used for the operation described in conjunction with previously described any computer implementedmethod.System 400 is intended to comprise various forms of digital machines, such as laptop computer, desktop computer, workstation, personal digital assistant, server, blade server, large scale computer and other suitablecomputing machines.System 400 can also comprise mobile device, such as personal digital assistant, cell phone, smart phone and other similar computing equipments.In addition, system can comprise portable storage media, such as USB (universal serial bus) (USB) flash drive.For example, the USB flash memory driving can storage operating system and other application.USB flash memory drives can comprise the I/O parts, and such as wireless launcher or USB connector, it can be inserted in the USB port of another computing equipment.

System 400 comprisesprocessor 410,storer 420,memory device 430 and input-output apparatus 440.Each usingsystem bus 450 interconnection in the parts 410,420,430 and 440.Processor 410 can be handled the instruction that is used for execution in system 400.Processor can use any design the in the multiple framework.For example,processor 410 can be CISC (complex instruction set computer (CISC)) processor, RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processor or MISC (minimum instruction collection computing machine) processor.

In one implementation,processor 410 is single-threaded processor.In another was realized,processor 410 was multilineprocedure processors.Processor 410 can be handled and be stored in thestorer 420 or the instruction on thememory device 430, thereby is the user interface display graphics information on the input-output apparatus 440.

Information instorer 420 storage systems 400.In one implementation,storer 420 is computer-readable mediums.In one implementation,storer 420 is volatile memory cells.In another was realized,storer 420 was non-volatile memory cells.

Memory device 430 can provide mass memory for system 400.In one implementation,memory device 430 is computer-readable mediums.In various realization,memory device 430 can be floppy device, hard disc apparatus, compact disk equipment or tape unit.

Input-output apparatus 440 provides output/output function for system 400.In one implementation, input-output apparatus 440 comprises keyboard and/or pointing apparatus.In another was realized, input-output apparatus 440 comprised display unit, is used for the display graphics user interface.

Described feature can be implemented in the digital circuit, perhaps in computer hardware, firmware, software, perhaps in their combination.Device can be implemented in the computer program, and it visibly is included in the information carrier, for example in machine readable storage device or other computer-readable mediums, so that carried out by programmable processor; And method step can be carried out by programmable processor, and this programmable processor execution of programs of instructions is by operating and produce the function that output realizes described various realizations to the input data.Described feature advantageously can be implemented in one or more computer programs, these computer programs can be carried out on programmable system, programmable system comprises and being coupled to receive data and instruction from data-storage system and to send at least one programmable processor, at least one input equipment and at least one output device of data and instruction to it.Computer program is the instruction set, and it can be used to carry out specific activities or bring particular result in computing machine directly or indirectly.Computer program can be write by programming language in any form, comprise compilation voice or interpretative code, and it can be disposed by any form, comprises being deployed as stand-alone program or as module, parts, subroutine or other unit of being suitable for using in computing environment.

As example, the suitable processor that is used for execution of programs of instructions comprises general purpose microprocessor and special microprocessor, and one of the single processor of any kind computing machine or a plurality of processors.Generally speaking, processor will be from ROM (read-only memory) or random access storage device or the two reception instruction and data.The necessary element of computing machine is the processor that is used to execute instruction and is used for storage instruction and one or more storeies of data.Usually, computing machine also can comprise or operationally be coupled to communicate by letter with the one or more mass memory units that are used for storing data files; This equipment comprises disk, such as internal hard drive and removable hard disk; Photomagneto disk; And CD.The memory device that is suitable for visibly comprising computer program instructions and data comprises the nonvolatile memory of form of ownership, and as example, it comprises semiconductor storage unit, such as EPROM, EEPROM and flush memory device; Disk is such as internal hard drive and removable hard disk; Photomagneto disk; And CD-ROM dish and DVD-ROM dish.Processor and storer can pass through ASIC (special IC) or additional in conjunction with coming with it.

For mutual with the user is provided, feature can be implemented in has the computing machine that is used for to display device, keyboard and the pointing apparatus of user's display message, display device is CRT (cathode-ray tube (CRT)) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for example, pointing apparatus for example is mouse or trace ball, and the user can provide input to computing machine thus.

Feature can be implemented in comprise back-end component (such as, data server) in the computer system, perhaps comprise intermediate member (such as, application server or Internet Server) computer system in, perhaps comprise front end component (such as, client computer with graphic user interface or Internet-browser) in the computer system, or its combination in any.Each parts of system can connect by any type of digital data communication media, such as communication network.The example of communication network comprises LAN (Local Area Network) (" LAN "), wide area network (" WAN "), peer-to-peer network (having ad-hoc member or static member), grid computing framework and internet.

Computer system can comprise client and server.Client and server and typically comes mutual usually away from each other by all networks as described previously.Relation between the client and server produces by the computer program that operates on the computing machine separately and have the client-server relation mutually.

Although described some realizations above in detail, other modifications also are possible.For example, loyalty program can allow the member when various traffic systems (for example, aircraft, train, motorbus, car, wheel boat etc.) go up travelling, accumulates the travel reward integration basically in real time.In some implementations, the loyalty program member can run up to the travel reward integration in the single customer account, and reward points can be exchanged into award on the traffic system of any participation.For example, the client can get the travel reward integration basically in real time in the voyage of going to the city, destination, and exchanges these reward points (for example, upgrading automobile rank) then when renting rent-a-car.In another example, the client can be in the city, destination during rental car, gets the travel reward integration basically in real time.The client can exchange these reward points (for example, the seat is upgraded to first-class cabin from economy class) then on return voyage.

In another was realized, loyalty program can allow the member when travelling by air and rest on various places (for example, hotel, motorhotel, bed and breakfast hotel, lodge, camping place etc.), accumulates the travel reward integration basically in real time.These reward points can be exchanged into award at the place and the airline place of any participation.

For example, the client can get the travel reward integration basically in real time in the voyage of going to the city, destination, then when resting on the place, hotel of participation, exchange these reward points (for example, the room level of upgrade client perhaps has the room in the better visual field so that obtain bigger room).In another example, the client can get the travel reward integration basically in real time when resting on the motorhotel of participation.The client can exchange these reward points (for example, the seat is upgraded to first-class cabin from economy class) then on return voyage.

In other were realized, the logic flow of drawing in the accompanying drawing did not require by shown particular order or consecutive order and realizes the result that expects.In addition, can provide other steps, perhaps from described flow process, omit some steps, and can add miscellaneous part, perhaps from described system, remove some parts.Therefore, other realizations are positioned at the scope of claims.

Claims (20)

Translated fromChinese

1.一种用于在旅行期间更新旅行奖励积分以使得基本上在赢取所述旅行奖励积分的同时便可兑换所述旅行奖励积分的计算机实现的方法，所述方法包括：CLAIMS 1. A computer-implemented method for updating travel award points during travel such that the travel award points can be redeemed substantially at the same time as the travel award points are earned, the method comprising:接收乘客正登上旅行路线第一段的运载工具的指示；receive an indication that the passenger is boarding the vehicle on the first leg of the travel route;确定与所述第一段相关联的旅行奖励积分数额；以及determining an amount of travel rewards points associated with said first segment; and基本上在登上所述第一段的运载工具的同时，向旅行奖励系统输出所述旅行奖励积分数额，使得所述旅行奖励积分可用于所述乘客在旅行路线第二段上兑换。Outputting the travel rewards point amount to a travel rewards system substantially at the same time as boarding the vehicle for the first leg makes the travel rewards points available for redemption by the passenger on a second leg of a travel itinerary.2.如权利要求1的方法，其中确定所述旅行奖励积分数额包括：向规则引擎发送所述乘客正在登乘的指示，以便基于将旅程段的属性与旅行奖励积分数额相关联的规则来计算所述旅行奖励积分数额。2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the travel rewards point amount comprises: sending an indication that the passenger is boarding to a rules engine to calculate based on a rule associating attributes of a journey segment with a travel rewards point amount The stated amount of Travel Rewards Points.3.如权利要求1的方法，其中向所述旅行奖励系统输出所述旅行奖励积分数额包括：将所述数额记入与所述乘客相关联的账户。3. The method of claim 1, wherein outputting the travel rewards point amount to the travel rewards system includes debiting the amount to an account associated with the passenger.4.如权利要求1的方法，进一步包括：接收所述乘客离开所述运载工具的第二指示。4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a second indication that the passenger exited the vehicle.5.如权利要求4的方法，进一步包括：从所述旅行奖励系统扣减所述旅行奖励积分数额。5. The method of claim 4, further comprising debiting the travel rewards point amount from the travel rewards system.6.如权利要求1的方法，进一步包括：确定所述乘客是否有资格使用与所述乘客相关联的积累旅行奖励积分数额来获得所述第二段上的奖励，其中所述积累的旅行奖励积分数额包括与所述第一段相关联的旅行奖励积分数额以及以前积累的旅行奖励积分。6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining whether the passenger is eligible to use an accumulated travel award point amount associated with the passenger to obtain an award on the second segment, wherein the accumulated travel award The point amount includes an amount of travel reward points associated with the first segment as well as previously accumulated travel reward points.7.如权利要求6的方法，进一步包括：输出指定所确定的奖励的标识符，以呈现给所述乘客。7. The method of claim 6, further comprising outputting an identifier designating the determined reward for presentation to the passenger.8.如权利要求7的方法，其中输出指定所确定的奖励的标识符包括：向与所述第二段相关联的入口工作人员显示所述奖励。8. The method of claim 7, wherein outputting an identifier designating the determined reward comprises displaying the reward to a portal worker associated with the second segment.9.如权利要求7的方法，其中输出指定所确定的奖励的标识符包括：向访问与所述乘客的账户信息相关联的web页面的用户显示指定所述奖励的标识符。9. The method of claim 7, wherein outputting an identifier designating the determined reward comprises displaying the identifier designating the reward to a user accessing a web page associated with the passenger's account information.10.如权利要求1的方法，其中所述运载工具选自由飞机、火车、公共汽车和租赁汽车组成的组。10. The method of claim 1, wherein said vehicle is selected from the group consisting of airplane, train, bus, and rental car.11.如权利要求1的方法，其中所述旅行路线第二段涉及类型与在所述旅行路线第一段中所使用的运载工具不同的运载工具。11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second segment of the itinerary involves a different type of vehicle than the vehicle used in the first segment of the itinerary.12.如权利要求1的方法，进一步包括：将所述旅行奖励积分兑换成所述第二段上的座位升级。12. The method of claim 1, further comprising exchanging said travel award points for a seat upgrade on said second segment.13.如权利要求1的方法，进一步包括：将所述旅行奖励积分兑换成在第一旅程段中使用的运载工具上可用的产品或服务。13. The method of claim 1, further comprising exchanging the travel award points for products or services available on board the vehicle used in the first journey segment.14.如权利要求1的方法，进一步包括：将所述旅行奖励积分兑换成在第二旅程段中使用的第二运载工具上可用的产品或服务。14. The method of claim 1, further comprising exchanging the travel award points for products or services available on a second vehicle used in the second journey segment.15.如权利要求1的方法，进一步包括：将所述旅行奖励积分兑换成在所述第一段和第二段之间、由第三方提供的产品或服务。15. The method of claim 1, further comprising exchanging said travel award points for products or services provided by a third party between said first segment and second segment.16.如权利要求1的方法，进一步包括：将所述旅行奖励积分兑换成在所述第一段和第二段之间、由第三方提供的产品或服务。16. The method of claim 1, further comprising exchanging said travel award points for products or services provided by a third party between said first segment and second segment.17.如权利要求1的方法，进一步包括：在所述第二段之后，将所述旅行奖励积分兑换成由与所述运载工具的运营方合作的第三方提供的产品或服务。17. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after the second period, exchanging the travel rewards points for a product or service offered by a third party partnering with the operator of the vehicle.18.如权利要求17的方法，其中所述产品或服务包括旅店住宿、汽车租赁、出租车代金券或者食品或娱乐代金券。18. The method of claim 17, wherein the product or service comprises hotel accommodation, car rental, taxi vouchers, or food or entertainment vouchers.19.一种用于在旅行期间更新旅行奖励积分以使得基本上在赢取所述旅行奖励积分的同时便可兑换所述旅行奖励积分的系统，所述系统包括：19. A system for updating travel award points during travel such that the travel award points can be redeemed substantially at the same time as the travel award points are earned, the system comprising:一个或多个计算机，其具有：One or more computers with:积累模块，用于接收乘客正登上旅行路线第一段的运载工具的指示；an accumulation module for receiving an indication that the passenger is boarding the vehicle for the first segment of the travel route;规则引擎，用于确定与第一段相关联的旅行奖励积分数额；以及a rules engine for determining the amount of travel rewards points associated with the first segment; and数据库，用于基本上在登上所述第一段的运载工具的同时，向旅行奖励系统输出所述旅行奖励积分数额，使得所述旅行奖励积分可用于所述乘客在旅行路线第二段上兑换。a database for outputting said travel rewards point amount to a travel rewards system substantially simultaneously with boarding said first segment of the vehicle such that said travel rewards points are available for use by said passenger on a second segment of a travel itinerary exchange.20.一种用于更新旅行奖励积分以使得基本上在赢取所述旅行奖励积分的同时便可兑换所述旅行奖励积分的计算机实现的方法，所述方法包括：20. A computer-implemented method for updating travel award points such that the travel award points are redeemable substantially at the same time as the travel award points are earned, the method comprising:在服务器处接收乘客正登上旅行路线第一旅程段的运载工具的通知；receiving, at the server, a notification that a passenger is boarding a vehicle for a first leg of a travel itinerary;使用所述服务器运行的规则引擎来确定与所述第一旅程段相关联的旅行奖励积分数额；以及determining an amount of travel rewards points associated with the first journey segment using a rules engine run by the server; and向与所述乘客相关联的电子账户传输存入所确定的旅行奖励积分数额的请求，其中所述存入基本上与登上所述第一段的运载工具同时发生，使得在所述第一旅程段完成之前，所述旅行奖励积分可用于由乘客兑换。transmitting a request to deposit the determined amount of travel rewards points to an electronic account associated with the passenger, wherein the deposit occurs substantially simultaneously with boarding the first segment of the vehicle such that at the first The travel award points are available for redemption by the passenger until the journey segment is complete.

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